Ashcroft plans many staff changes as new Missouri secretary of state

Missouri Secretary of State-elect Jay Ashcroft is planning to overhaul the office’s operations when he takes over Jan. 9.

Transition team member Steele Shippy confirmed Friday that some employees have been told they will lose their jobs, but he denied that most or all of the office’s 270 workers are being targeted. "There's been no blanket email or communication that says they are all being let go,'' he said.

"Is the office going to undergo changes? Absolutely. We're doing a reorganization of the entire secretary of state's office."

As a rule, most non-political employees in Missouri state offices are not affected when a new state official is sworn in. However, some Republicans have been pressing for change since the secretary of state's office has been under Democratic control since 2005. Ashcroft is succeeding Democrat Jason Kander.

Jay Ashcroft

Credit File photo | Jason Rosenbaum | St. Louis Public Radio

Shippy declined comment on reports that the office's Securities Division -- which does its own hiring -- may see significant staff changes. Ashcroft has named David Minnick as the division’s new chief. Minnick had been the general counsel at Stifel-Nicolaus, a St. Louis-based investment firm.

The Securities Division -- which has a staff of lawyers and financial experts -- polices the investment industry in the state.

Shippy says he will be Ashcroft's deputy chief of staff after he officially takes office.